iOS 8 HD Audio Playback, New In-Ear Headphones Rumored for WWDC

Apple's WWDC 2014 keynote is now less than three weeks away, and while speculation has run amok about iPhone 6 and iOS 8, at least one of the company's accessories is getting a slice of the rumor mill this week.

Mac Otakara (via MacRumors) reported Monday that Apple may be planning to improve the audio playback quality of the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with this year's iOS 8, including a new set of In-Ear Headphones.

The first part of today's WWDC 2014 rumor involves how iOS 7's built-in Music app plays back 24-bit audio files, which are currently limited to 48 kHz. Cupertino may get around this limitation with iOS 8 by allowing a Made for iPhone (MFi) audio accessory to tap into the Lightning connector, which would be capable of high-definition audio playback.

As is typical of Apple, the iPhone maker is rumored to pave the way by debuting a new version of the company's In-Ear Headphones, which would include the Lightning cable necessary for high-definition playback. The report notes Apple's In-Ear Headphones haven't been updated since 2008, although the $79 accessory is still sold from the company's online and retail stores.

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference kicks off in San Francisco on June 2, which is rumored to include the first public appearance of Beats Electronics co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, assuming last Friday's report of an acquisition actually pans out.